Alan Simpson: “I rise to express my firm support for congressional coverage legislation. This bill represents a most fundamental…”

“I rise to express my firm support for congressional coverage legislation. This bill represents a most fundamental ingredient in the recipe to reform this institution. By exempting itself from the laws it passes, Congress is truly losing touch with the practical consequences of those laws. And today, we have a Congress in Wonderland passing legislation that does not reflect true workplace realities. Over the years we have heard some very artful explanations as to why Congress continues to exempt itself from the very laws it passes. We have heard that the constitution prevents executive branch enforcement of employment laws on Congress. We have heard that the constitution's 'Speech or Debate' clause protecting Members of Congress from legal challenges against them includes their actions as employers. And we have also heard how being a Member of Congress embodies certain highly unique circumstances not faced by other employers. I must say, not one of these explanations warrants these continued exemptions. One of the biggest reason why Congress so freely exempts itself is because it is not governed by statute--rather we live by our own rules. We set rules which allow us to go about our merry way with little fear that if we do happen to cross the line from time to time, it doesn't really matter because there is no practical enforcement mechanism. The current system allows us to change the rules at any time--and for any reason.”